1 oz Lunar III Year of the Horse Gold Coin 2026 - Perth Mint, .9999 fine gold
The 1 oz Lunar III Year of the Horse Gold Coin 2026 is the seventh issue of the prestigious third Australian Lunar series by The Perth Mint. Contains one troy ounce of pure .9999/1000 gold (31.1035 g), face value 100 AUD, Australian legal tender. 2026 in the Chinese zodiac is the Year of the Horse (Bingwu - 丙午) - one of the most dynamic signs in the cycle.
Lunar is one of the world's most popular numismatic series, especially in Asia. Each issue limited to 30,000 pieces (1 oz).
Lunar - 30 years of Australian-Chinese minting collaboration
Australian Lunar was created by Perth Mint in response to growing Asian market demand. Lunar Series I (1996-2007), Lunar Series II (2008-2019), current Lunar Series III (2020-2031). Each series renews zodiac designs.
12 Chinese zodiac signs: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Pig. Combined with 5 elements gives the 60-year cycle. 2026 is Bingwu - Year of the Fire Horse.
Perth Mint uses highest precious-metals standard (.9999) and LBMA Good Delivery accreditation.
Key features
- Issuer: Perth Mint - LBMA Good Delivery
- Country of issue: Australia
- Series: Australian Lunar III (2020-2031)
- Vintage: 2026 - Year of the Horse (Bingwu)
- Cycle position: 7th coin in Lunar III
- Metal: Investment gold (Au)
- Fineness: .9999/1000 (24K)
- Weight: 1 troy ounce (31.1035 g)
- Diameter: 32.10 mm
- Thickness: 2.80 mm
- Face value: 100 AUD
- Obverse: Charles III (Dan Thorne, since 2024)
- Reverse: Horse (Chinese zodiac element)
- 1 oz mintage: 30,000 pieces - limited
- VAT: 0% (investment gold)
- Packaging: Protective capsule at GoldInvest24
Market analysis - Lunar as East-West cultural bridge
Australian Lunar is the only Western LBMA mint series with strong Asian demand. Hong Kong, Singapore, China, Taiwan, South Korea make up over 40% of total demand. Zodiac coin of one's own sign as gift for major life occasions.
Lunar I (1996-2007) today commands 100-300% premium over spot. Lunar III as current series still primary-available - best choice for long-term collection.
Bingwu (Fire Horse) recurs every 60 years. Previous 1966, next 2086. Symbol of energy, courage and change.
Obverse - King Charles III (Dan Thorne)
Obverse depicts the portrait of Charles III by Dan Thorne, identical to Kangaroo and Koala Perth Mint. Inscriptions: CHARLES III · AUSTRALIA · 100 DOLLARS · 2026.
Reverse - Horse (Bingwu - Fire element)
Reverse displays artistic horse composition, unique to Lunar III 2026. Chinese character 馬 (Ma - Horse). Inscriptions: YEAR OF THE HORSE · 1 oz 9999 GOLD · 2026 · P. Horse in Chinese culture symbolises energy, strength, loyalty and speed.
Technical specifications
| Parameter |
Value |
| Manufacturer |
The Perth Mint, Australia |
| Accreditation |
LBMA Good Delivery |
| Series |
Australian Lunar III (2020-2031) |
| Zodiac year |
Horse (Bingwu - Fire) |
| Metal |
Gold |
| Fineness |
.9999/1000 |
| Weight |
1 oz (31.1035 g) |
| Diameter |
32.10 mm |
| Face value |
100 AUD |
| Mintage |
30,000 pieces (limited) |
| Obverse |
Dan Thorne, Charles III, since 2024 |
| Reverse |
Horse + Chinese character 馬 (Ma) |
| Year of issue |
2026 |
| Packaging |
Protective capsule |
| VAT |
0% |
| Catalog number |
101458 |
FAQ
What is Lunar III?
Third generation Australian Lunar series, 2020-2031. Each generation new designs of 12 Chinese zodiac signs. Limited to 30K 1 oz pieces.
What does Bingwu - Fire Horse mean?
Bing (丙) = fire element, Wu (午) = horse. Recurs every 60 years. Previous 1966, next 2086.
Good for those born in Year of Horse?
Yes. Born in 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026. Personal cultural significance.
Collector potential?
High. 30K mintage 6-13× less than Kangaroo. Lunar I commands 100-300% over spot today.
Subject to VAT?
No. Investment gold is VAT-exempt.
